Clarksville, Tenn.-The last surviving member of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis has passed away.
Edgar Alvin Harrell, age 96, died Saturday at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Clarksville. Mr. Harrell lived on Kesterson Lane in Paris for several years before moving to Clarksville.
Mr. Harrell spoke about his experiences aboard the USS Indianapolis in many appearances locally. He rode in the Cottage Grove Freedom Festival parade several years ago. He published a book, “Out Of The Depths”, which he wrote with his son, Dr. David Harrell.
He was a decorated World War II Marine who fought in the Pacific theater aboard the USS Indianapolis and was the last surviving Marine of her sinking (the greatest naval catastrophe at sea in the history of the Navy). He was a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, and received an honorary promotion to the rank of Sergeant in 2018.
Funeral services will be conducted at Calvary Bible Church in Joelton at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 15th, with his son, Dr. David Harrell, and Chaplain Kenneth Kerr (retired Colonel United States Army) officiating.
Burial will follow at 2:30 PM in Murray Memorial Gardens, Murray, Kentucky with his grandsons serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the Calvary Bible Church on Friday, May 14th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Saturday from 9:30AM until the hour of service at 10:30 AM. Mr. Harrell was born on October 10th, 1924 in Trigg County, Kentucky to the late Alvin H. and Myra Belle Atwood Harrell. He was a retired Distributer with Pella Window Company and was a member of Calvary Bible Church.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Ola Mae Harrell; daughter, Cathey Tierney; four brothers; and 2 sisters. Survivors include his son, Dr. David (Nancy) Harrell; son-in-law, Dr. Joe (Alice) Tierney; brothers, Bob (Nancy) Harrell and Bill (Norma) Harrell; and grandchildren, Joseph (Dana) Harrell, Jana (Andrew) Zulewski, Joshua (Lara) Harrell, Joseph (Sarah) Tierney, Colin Tierney, Ben Tierney Ross Tierny, and Celeste Tierney; 14 great-grandchildren.
If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd’s Fire at www.shepherdsfire.org AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edgar Harrell please visit our Sympathy Store.
Photo provided by Robert “Scooter” Miller.